8-K
SOLENO THERAPEUTICS INC false 0001484565 0001484565 2023-05-08 2023-05-08

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (date of earliest event reported): May 8, 2023

 

 

SOLENO THERAPEUTICS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-36593   77-0523891

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File No.)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification Number)

203 Redwood Shores Pkwy, Suite 500

Redwood City, CA 94065

(Address of principal executive offices)

(650) 213-8444

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Trading

symbols

 

Name of each exchange

on which registered

Common Stock, $0.001 par value   SLNO   NASDAQ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company  

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

 

 

 


ITEM 2.02

Results of Operations and Financial Conditions

On May 9, 2023, Soleno Therapeutics, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2023. The full text of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

This information is intended to be furnished under Item 2.02 and Item 9.01 of Form 8-K, “Results of Operations and Financial Condition” and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that Section, nor shall be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.

 

ITEM 3.02

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.

On May 8, 2023, the Company closed on the sale of $10 million in warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 22,598,870 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Warrants”) with certain entities affiliated with Nantahala Capital Management, LLC, Abingworth LLP, Vivo Capital, LLC and members of management (each, a “Purchaser,” and collectively, the “Purchasers”) pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) that the Company entered into on December 16, 2022 (the “Private Placement”). There were no underwriting discounts or placement agent fees associated with the Private Placement. Based in part upon the representations of the Purchasers in the Purchase Agreement, the offering and sale of the Warrants was exempt from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and/or Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act. The sales of the Warrants and the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants by the Company in the Private Placement were not registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws and the Warrants and the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. The sales of such securities did not involve a public offering and were made without general solicitation or general advertising. In the Purchase Agreement, the Purchasers represented that they are accredited investors, as such term is defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D under the Securities Act.

 

ITEM 9.01

Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d)    Exhibits

 

Exhibit
No.
  

Description

99.1    Press release issued by Soleno Therapeutics, Inc. dated May 9, 2023
104    Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

    SOLENO THERAPEUTICS, INC.
Date: May 9, 2023    
    By:  

/s/ Anish Bhatnagar

      Anish Bhatnagar
      Chief Executive Officer
EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO

Soleno Therapeutics Provides Corporate Update and Reports First Quarter 2023 Financial Results

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., May 9, 2023 – Soleno Therapeutics, Inc. (Soleno) (NASDAQ: SLNO), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutics for the treatment of rare diseases, today provided a corporate update and reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2023.

First Quarter 2023 and Recent Corporate Highlights

 

   

Completed enrollment in the randomized withdrawal period of Study C602, a long-term treatment study of Diazoxide Choline (DCCR) Extended-Release tablets for the treatment of Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS).

 

   

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration previously acknowledged that data from the study has the potential to support a New Drug Application (NDA) submission for DCCR.

 

   

Top-line data continue to be expected in the third quarter 2023.

 

   

Received $10 million in connection with closing of December 2022 Securities Purchase Agreement with Nantahala Capital Management, Abingworth and Vivo Capital, triggered by announcement of enrollment completion.

“We are very pleased to have recently completed enrollment in the randomized withdrawal phase of Study C602 and would like to thank the participants, their families and the study sites for helping us reach this important milestone,” said Anish Bhatnagar, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Soleno Therapeutics. “We continue to be on track for the availability of top-line data in the third quarter of 2023. Furthermore, completing enrollment satisfied the closing condition on our December 2022 Securities Purchase Agreement, enabling us to receive $10 million that will support clinical operations through top-line data leading to a potential NDA filing and approval of DCCR.”

Financial Results

Soleno’s current research and development efforts are primarily focused on advancing its lead product candidate, DCCR, for the treatment of PWS, through late-stage clinical development.

First Quarter 2023 Financial Results

As of March 31, 2023, Soleno had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $7.9 million. This amount does not include the $10 million recently received following enrollment completion in the randomized withdrawal period of Study C602 and the satisfaction of the closing conditions related to the Company’s December 2022 Securities Purchase Agreement. Soleno continues to believe that, in aggregate, these funds are sufficient to fund operations through top-line data, which is anticipated in the third quarter of 2023.


LOGO

 

Research and development expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2023, were $5.3 million, compared to $4.0 million for the same period of 2022. The cadence of Soleno’s research and development expenditures fluctuates depending upon the state of its clinical programs and the timing of CMC and other projects necessary to support the submission of an NDA.

General and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2023, were $2.9 million, compared to $2.6 million for the same period of 2022. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in professional services expense.

The change in fair value of contingent consideration is a result of Soleno remeasuring at the end of each reporting period its obligation to make cash payments of up to $21.2 million to former Essentialis stockholders upon achievement of certain future commercial milestones associated with the sale of DCCR in accordance with the terms of the Essentialis merger agreement. The fair value of the liability payable was estimated to be $9.1 million as of March 31, 2023, a $0.3 million increase from the estimate as of December 31, 2022. During the three months ended March 31, 2022, the estimate decreased by $0.8 million from the $9.5 million estimate as of December 31, 2021.

Total other income was approximately $113,000 in the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to $49,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2022. The increase was primarily due to an increase in interest income.

Net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2023, was $8.4 million, or $0.88 per basic and diluted share, compared to a net loss of $5.7 million, or $1.07 per basic and diluted share, in the same period of 2022.

About PWS

The Prader-Willi Syndrome Association USA estimates that PWS occurs in one in every 15,000 live births in the U.S. The hallmark symptom of this disorder is hyperphagia, a chronic feeling of insatiable hunger that severely diminishes the quality of life for PWS patients and their families. Additional characteristics of PWS include behavioral problems, cognitive disabilities, low muscle tone, short stature (when not treated with growth hormone), the accumulation of excess body fat, developmental delays, and incomplete sexual development. Hyperphagia can lead to significant morbidities (e.g., obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease) and mortality (e.g., stomach rupture, choking, accidental death due to food seeking behavior). In a global survey conducted by the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research, 96.5% of respondents (parent and caregivers) rated hyperphagia and 92.9% rated body composition as either the most important or a very important symptom to be relieved by a new medicine. There are currently no approved therapies to treat the hyperphagia/appetite, metabolic, cognitive function, or behavioral aspects of the disorder. Diazoxide choline has received Orphan Drug Designation for the treatment of PWS in the U.S. and E.U., and Fast Track Designation in the U.S.


LOGO

 

About DCCR (Diazoxide Choline) Extended-Release Tablets

DCCR is a novel, proprietary extended-release dosage form containing the crystalline salt of diazoxide and is administered once-daily. The parent molecule, diazoxide, has been used for decades in thousands of patients in a few rare diseases in neonates, infants, children and adults, but has not been approved for use in PWS. Soleno conceived of and established extensive patent protection on the therapeutic use of diazoxide and DCCR in patients with PWS. The DCCR development program is supported by data from five completed Phase 1 clinical studies in healthy volunteers and three completed Phase 2 clinical studies, one of which was in PWS patients. In the PWS Phase 3 study, DCCR showed promise in addressing hyperphagia, the hallmark symptom of PWS, as well as several other symptoms such as aggressive/destructive behaviors, fat mass and other metabolic parameters.

About Soleno Therapeutics, Inc.

Soleno is focused on the development and commercialization of novel therapeutics for the treatment of rare diseases. The company’s lead candidate, DCCR extended-release tablets, a once-daily oral tablet for the treatment of Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), is currently being evaluated in a Phase 3 clinical development program. For more information, please visit www.soleno.life.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the closing of the warrant financing under the Securities Purchase Agreement, the receipt of top-line data from the randomized withdrawal period, and the timing of any regulatory process or ultimate approvals and determining a path forward for DCCR for the treatment of PWS. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “could,” “intend,” “target,” “project,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risks and uncertainties associated with market conditions, as well as risks and uncertainties inherent in Soleno’s business, including those described in the company’s prior press releases and in the periodic reports it files with the SEC. The events and circumstances reflected in the company’s forward-looking statements may not be achieved or occur and actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable law, the company does not plan to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein, whether as a result of any new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise.

Corporate Contact:

Brian Ritchie

LifeSci Advisors, LLC

212-915-2578


LOGO

 

Soleno Therapeutics, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands except share and per share data)

 

     March 31,
2023
    December 31,
2022
 
Assets    (Unaudited)        

Current assets

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 7,874     $ 14,602  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     1,253       1,045  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     9,127       15,647  

Long-term assets

    

Property and equipment, net

     22       26  

Operating lease right-of-use assets

     53       131  

Intangible assets, net

     10,207       10,693  

Other long-term assets

     126       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 19,535     $ 26,497  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

    

Current liabilities

    

Accounts payable

   $ 2,778     $ 1,777  

Accrued compensation

     721       1,675  

Accrued clinical trial site costs

     3,531       3,222  

Operating lease liabilities

     39       155  

Other current liabilities

     692       484  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     7,761       7,313  

Long-term liabilities 2018 PIPE Warrant liability

     1       1  

Contingent liability for Essentialis purchase price

     9,134       8,835  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     16,896       16,149  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

    

Stockholders’ equity

    

Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding

     —         —    

Common stock, $0.001 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 8,168,788 and 8,159,382 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively

     8       8  

Additional paid-in-capital

     248,393       247,762  

Accumulated deficit

     (245,778     (237,422

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     16       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     2,639       10,348  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 19,535     $ 26,497  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 


LOGO

 

Soleno Therapeutics, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss

(unaudited)

(In thousands except share and per share data)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2023     2022  

Operating expenses

    

Research and development

   $ 5,316     $ 3,988  

General and administrative

     2,854       2,643  

Change in fair value of contingent consideration

     299       (858
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     8,469       5,773  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating loss

     (8,469     (5,773
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other income

    

Change in fair value of warrants liabilities

     —         27  

Interest income

     113       22  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income

     113       49  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

   $ (8,356   $ (5,724
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

    

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     16       (2
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total comprehensive loss

   $ (8,340   $ (5,726
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss per common share, basic and diluted

   $ (0.88   $ (1.07
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding used to calculate basic and diluted net loss per common share

     9,447,350       5,334,712